Cover with integrated, external stowage pocket for a towable water recreation vehicle

ABSTRACT

A cover for a towable water recreation vehicle has top and bottom flat members attached together to form an enclosure for the towable water recreation vehicle. The outer surface of the cover further includes an external pocket for storage of a carrying container. A water recreation vehicle is placed between the top and bottom members of the cover and is then inflated for use. During use, the carrying container is stored in the external, closable pocket. After use, the vehicle is at least partially deflated and the cover and vehicle are folded as a single unit, with the vehicle remaining inside the cover, and stored in the carrying container. The vehicle and cover can then be removed from the carrying container and easily prepared for use again without any need for construction or for locating each separate element.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a cover for a towable waterrecreation vehicle and more particularly to a cover for a towable waterrecreation vehicle which includes a means for storing the cover andwater recreation vehicle together.

DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART

[0002] It is well known to tow an inner tube from an automobile tirebehind a motorboat with a towrope while a rider sits in the circularmiddle space in the inner tube. On larger inner tubes, a rider has atendency to fall through the center space or has to make an effort toprevent this from occurring. It is known in the art to provide innertubes with covers, thereby providing a bottom which prevents the riderfrom slipping through the center space.

[0003] One such apparatus is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 2,683,270 whichshows a flat bottom strapped to an inner tube.

[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,451,239 shows an apparatus consisting of an innertube, a cover, and a tow strap. The apparatus has several deficiencies,particularly in the tow strap which can easily become twisted andknotted in such a way that it is impossible to untie a tow rope. Also,the cover consists of a single unit which, because of the annular upperportion, is difficult to manufacture.

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 4,635,581 shows a cover for an inner tube whichincludes an upper and lower surface and a reinforced tow hitch.

[0006] Another such cover is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 5,279,510 whichshows a cover for an inner tube which further includes a cushion for therider to sit or kneel on.

[0007] It is also known in the art to provide a separable bag forcarrying inflatable items. U.S. Pat. No. 2,095,974 shows a carrying casefor a deflated raft. U.S. Pat. Nos. 2,467,037, 2,467,038 and 4,731,037show containers for deflated life rafts. U.S. Pat. No. 4,942,839 showsan inflatable boat which can be folded into a carrying case in itsdeflated condition.

[0008] Previously used inner tube and cover combinations have beendifficult to store. Because of these difficulties, inner tubes are oftennot stored correctly leading to an increased chance of damage to and ashortened life span of the inner tube. If a separate storage containeris used, it can be lost or too time consuming to use. If the coverincludes an attached container, the container can become damaged in useor can be dangerous to the user if it is released into the airstreamwhile the user is being towed. Such a container can cause injury to theuser or damage to the inner tube or towrope.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A cover for an inflatable water recreation vehicle is described.The cover includes top and bottom members preferably made from materialwhich is resistant to water damage and to tearing. The top member mayinclude a central opening for receiving the inflatable water recreationvehicle. If the top member does not include a central opening, the coverincludes a closable opening for receiving the inflatable waterrecreation vehicle. The top member and bottom members are connectedtogether, preferably along mutual peripheral edges to form an enclosurefor receiving the inflatable water recreation vehicle. The shape of theformed cover generally resembles the outer sidewall of the waterrecreation vehicle. The surface of the cover includes a closable pocketfor storing a carrying container for the cover and water recreationvehicle. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the carrying containeris integral with or attached to the closable pocket. The closable pocketmay be closed using a zipper or hook and loop fastener or other means asappropriate. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the closable pocketis closed using two or more closing means for added safety and security.Preferably, the upper surface of the cover includes an attachment meansfor a tow rope and grip handles. Methods for covering and storing awater recreation vehicle are also disclosed.

[0010] An object of the invention is to provide a cover which can befabricated of any size or dimension sufficient to encompass aninflatable water recreation vehicle.

[0011] Another object of the invention is to provide a cover whichincludes an integral pocket for a carrying container.

[0012] Yet another object of the invention is to provide a cover whichincludes safety mechanisms to ensure that an attached carrying containeris not accidentally released during use at high speeds.

[0013] A further object of the invention is to provide a cover that isinexpensive to manufacture.

[0014] Finally, it is an object of the present invention to accomplishthe foregoing objectives in a simple and cost effective manner.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015]FIG. 1 is a top plan view of the preferred embodiment.

[0016]FIG. 2 is a bottom plan view of the preferred embodiment.

[0017]FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carrying case of the preferredembodiment.

[0018]FIG. 4 is a top view of the preferred embodiment showing thedevice partially folded.

[0019]FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the carrying case and a bottomplan view of the preferred embodiment showing a preferred connectionmeans therebetween.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0020] The following detailed description is of the best presentlycontemplated modes of carrying out the invention. This description isnot to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purposeof illustrating general principles of embodiments of the invention. Noris the invention limited to use with an inner tube but may be used onother shapes and types of inflatable water recreation vehicles.

[0021] The applicant has devised a cover that can be used in connectionwith a towable, inflatable water recreation vehicle, such as an innertube, which overcomes the many deficiencies associated with the priorart. Particularly, the cover includes an integral external pocket forstoring a carrying container for the cover and water recreation vehicle.The cover and deflated water recreation vehicle may be placed into thecarrying container without removing the cover from the vehicle. Becausethe vehicle remains inside of the cover while stored, the procedure forpreparing the vehicle for use is greatly simplified. Storage of thevehicle in this manner increases the likelihood that the vehicle will beproperly stored which in turn reduces the risk of damage to the vehicle.

[0022] The cover consists of the two pieces, a generally circular (orother shape as appropriate for the specific vehicle) bottom member and agenerally circular (or other shape as appropriate for the specificvehicle) top member, the two members being sewn together, preferablyalong mutual peripheral edges. The top member may be provided with acentral opening. The top and bottom members together form an enclosurefor receiving an at least partially deflated water recreation vehiclesuch as an inner tube, while the optional central opening may define asitting space for a rider. The cover surrounds the water recreationvehicle and is maintained in position by inflating the water recreationvehicle which causes the cover to fit snugly against the vehicle.

[0023] The outer surface of the cover further includes a pocket on itsexternal surface or the surface that comes into contact with water. Thispocket is designed to accept a carrying container safely andconveniently. The carrying container is sized such that the cover andwater recreation vehicle can be stored together as a unit. It is notnecessary to remove the water recreation vehicle from the cover beforefolding it for storage. It is only necessary to remove a substantialamount of the air from the water recreation vehicle. Upon completion ofuse, the vehicle is deflated but not removed from the cover. Thecarrying container is removed from the pocket, which includes dualsealing means, and the vehicle and container are folded together as aunit and placed inside the carrying container. When the vehicle is to beused again, the vehicle and cover are removed as a unit from thecarrying container in a usable configuration and the vehicle isinflated. Because the cover and vehicle are stored in their ‘in-use’configuration, no construction is necessary other than inflating thevehicle. This design will encourage the safe storage of such vehiclesthereby ensuring that they will last longer as they are subjected toless wear and tear.

[0024] The cover and carrying container can be constructed from anymaterial known in the art as being appropriate for this type of use.Generally, the material is durable, flexible and not subject tosignificant wear upon exposure to water.

[0025] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, a preferred embodiment of the coverof the present invention is shown generally by the number 10. The cover10 consists primarily of a bottom member 14 and a top member 12 whichoverlies the bottom member 14. The top and bottom members are stitchedalong mutual peripheral edges to form a seam along the perimeter of thecover 10.

[0026] For use with a circular inner tube, the top member 12 has acircular opening which is located centrally in the top member 12. Forother shaped water recreation vehicles, the cover 10 is shapedappropriately and the centrally located opening in the top member 12, ifan opening is employed, may be any appropriate shape.

[0027] The bottom member 14 has a lower surface 22 and an upper surface20, with the upper surface 20 being visible from above due to thecentral circular opening. The lower surface 22 of the bottom member 14also includes a pocket 24 in which a carrying container 26 (shown inFIG. 3) can be stored while the water recreation vehicle is in use. Toensure that the carrying container 26 is not separated from the cover10, a strap 32 (shown in FIG. 5) can be sewn into the pocket 24 andattached to the container 26. In the alternative, the container 26 maybe constructed as an integral element of the pocket 24. The pocket 24includes at least one, and preferably multiple, closing means so thatthe carrying container 26 is not accidentally released from the pocket24 while the water recreation vehicle is in use. For example, aheavy-duty zipper can close the pocket 24. To further ensure that thezipper does not open, a clip can be used to hold the head of the zipperin its closed position. To provide additional security, mating strips ofa hook and loop fastener can be applied to the pocket 24 opening abovethe zipper. Clearly, other methods for closing the pocket 24 can be usedand it may not always be necessary to use multiple closing means.Although the pocket is shown on the lower surface of the bottom memberof the cover, it is contemplated within the scope of this invention toconstruct the cover with the pocket in alternate positions.

[0028] Upon its initial use, a deflated water recreation vehicle isplaced in between the top member 12 and the bottom member 14 and is theninflated with the carrying container 26 stored in the pocket 24. If thecover 10 includes a central opening in the top member 12, then thedeflated water recreation vehicle is placed in between the top member 12and the bottom member 14 by means of the central opening. If the cover10 does not include a central opening, then the cover 10 is constructedwith a closeable opening through which the deflated water recreationvehicle is inserted in between top member 12 and the bottom member 14.When use of the water recreation vehicle is complete, the waterrecreation vehicle is deflated. It is not necessary to remove all of theair from the water recreation vehicle. The carrying container 26 isremoved from the pocket 24. The cover 10 and deflated water recreationvehicle 30 are folded as a single unit (as partially shown in FIG. 4)and placed in the carrying container 26. When the water recreationvehicle is to be used again, it is simply removed from the carryingcontainer 26 and reinflated. No construction is necessary, as the cover10 and water recreation vehicle are stored deflated in their in-useconfiguration.

[0029] The carrying container 26 can be made from any durable materialwhich can withstand heavy use in and near the water and can be made inany appropriate shape. The container 26 may include pockets for holdingvarious accessories and may include a handle for ease of carrying.

[0030] A particularly preferred embodiment of the invention includes anattachment point 18 for a towrope and may also include handles 16 forthe user to grasp during use. These can be made from any suitablematerial as is well known in the art.

[0031] Many improvements, modifications, and additions will be apparentto the skilled artisan without departing from the spirit and scope ofthe present invention as described herein and defined in the followingclaims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A cover for an inflatable water recreationvehicle, the cover comprising: a bottom member having an upper surfaceand a lower surface; a top member, having an upper surface and a lowersurface, overlying the upper surface of the bottom member, the bottomand top members being connected to form an enclosure for receiving theinflatable water recreation vehicle, the enclosure conforming in shapeto an outer sidewall of the inflatable water recreation vehicle; thecover further including an opening for receiving the inflatable waterrecreation vehicle; and the outer surface of the cover furthercomprising a closable pocket for a carrying container.
 2. The cover asset forth in claim 1 wherein the cover is made from a material which isresistant to water damage.
 3. The cover as set forth in claim 1 whereinthe cover is made from a material which is resistant to tearing.
 4. Thecover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the opening for receiving theinflatable water recreation is a central opening in the top member ofthe cover.
 5. The cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the opening forreceiving the inflatable water recreation is a closable opening.
 6. Thecover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the topmember of the cover includes an attachment means for a towrope.
 7. Thecover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the upper surface of the topmember includes grip handles.
 8. The cover as set forth in claim 1wherein the closable pocket is located on the lower surface of thebottom member.
 9. The cover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the carryingcontainer is attached to the closable pocket.
 10. The cover as set forthin claim 1 wherein the closable pocket is closed using a zipper.
 11. Thecover as set forth in claim 1 wherein the closable pocket is closedusing hook and loop fastener material.
 12. The cover as set forth inclaim 1 wherein the closable pocket is closed using two closing means.13. The cover as set forth in claim 12 wherein the closable pocket isclosed using a zipper and hook and loop fastener material.
 14. A coverfor an inflatable water recreation vehicle, the cover comprising: a topmember and a bottom member made from a material which is resistant towater damage and each having an upper surface and a lower surface; thetop member overlying the upper surface of the bottom member, the bottomand top members being connected together along mutual peripheral edgesto form an enclosure for receiving the inflatable water recreationvehicle, the enclosure conforming in shape to an outer sidewall of theinflatable water recreation vehicle; the top member further having anattachment means for a tow rope; the cover including an opening forreceiving the inflatable water recreation vehicle; and the cover furtherincluding a closable pocket for a carrying container, wherein theclosable pocket is closed using a zipper and hook and loop fastenermaterial and the carrying container is attached to the closable pocket.15. A cover for an inflatable water recreation vehicle, the covercomprising: a top member and a bottom member made from a material whichis resistant to water damage and each having an upper surface and alower surface; the top member overlying the upper surface of the bottommember and having a central opening for receiving the inflatable waterrecreation vehicle, the bottom and top members being connected togetheralong mutual peripheral edges to form an enclosure for receiving theinflatable water recreation vehicle, the enclosure conforming in shapeto an outer sidewall of the inflatable water recreation vehicle; the topmember further having an attachment means for a tow rope; and the lowersurface of the bottom member further comprising a closable pocket for acarrying container, wherein the closable pocket is closed using a zipperand hook and loop fastener material and the carrying container isattached to the closable pocket.
 16. A method for covering an inflatablewater recreation vehicle, the method comprising: providing an at leastpartially deflated inflatable water recreation vehicle; providing acover for the inflatable water recreation vehicle which has a top memberand a bottom member attached to each other at mutual peripheral edges;placing the at least partially deflated inflatable water recreationvehicle inside the cover through a central opening in the top member ofthe cover; storing a carrying container for the cover and waterrecreation vehicle in a closable storage pocket located on a lowersurface of the bottom member of the cover; and inflating the inflatablewater recreation vehicle such that the cover fits snugly against theinflated water recreation vehicle.
 17. A method for covering aninflatable water recreation vehicle, the method comprising: providing aninflatable water recreation vehicle which is at least partiallydeflated; providing a cover for the inflatable water recreation vehiclewhich has a top member and a bottom member attached to each other atmutual peripheral edges; placing the at least partially deflatedinflatable water recreation vehicle inside the cover through a centralopening in the top member of the cover; storing a carrying container forthe cover and water recreation vehicle in a closable storage pocketlocated on a lower surface of the bottom member of the cover; inflatingthe inflatable water recreation vehicle such that the cover fits snuglyagainst the inflated water recreation vehicle; substantially deflatingthe inflated water recreation vehicle upon completion of use; removingthe carrying container for the cover and water recreation vehicle fromthe closable storage pocket; and placing the cover and water recreationvehicle inside the carrying container.